CAF Confederation Cup: Second preliminary round ends as group-stage are confirmed

The battle for places in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup has intensified, with several clubs progressing after the conclusion of the second preliminary round.

The return-leg matches delivered convincing victories, hard-fought draws and penalty-shootout drama as teams fought to keep their continental ambitions alive and move a step closer to lifting the trophy.

Libyan side Al Ahly Tripoli recorded one of the biggest victories of the round, beating Welwalo Adigrat University 4-1 to complete an emphatic 8-1 aggregate triumph. Maniema Union were equally impressive, defeating Kabuscorp Palanca 4-1 to secure an 8-2 aggregate victory.

Durban City also enjoyed a memorable outing, defeating Port-Louis 2000 3-0 away from home to seal a convincing 6-1 aggregate win and progress to the group stage.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly booked their place with a commanding 4-0 victory over Kitara FC, completing a 6-2 aggregate success. Moroccan side Raja AC also advanced after defeating El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in the return leg to secure a 4-2 aggregate win.

Tanzanian outfit Azam SC edged ZED FC 1-0 to progress 2-1 on aggregate, while AS Real Bamako advanced after a 2-2 draw against Zarzis completed a 5-3 aggregate victory.

Black Bulls Maputo also secured qualification following a 2-2 draw with Rayon Sport, taking the tie 4-2 on aggregate. Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien progressed after beating Academia F. Amadou Diallo 1-0 to claim a 2-1 aggregate win.

Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto defeated Virunga 1-0 in the second leg to advance 3-1 on aggregate, while Singida Black Stars secured their place after a 1-1 draw against Tusker SC gave them a 2-1 aggregate victory.

ASKO Kara survived a tense encounter against Diarra, winning the return leg 1-0 to leave the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate. The Togolese side progressed on the away-goals rule.

Red Arrows, meanwhile, eliminated South African giants Kaizer Chiefs after a dramatic penalty shootout. Chiefs won the second leg 1-0, but with the aggregate score level at 1-1, Red Arrows prevailed 3-2 from the spot to secure qualification.

With the second preliminary round concluded, the successful clubs will now prepare for the group stage, where they will face another demanding test in their pursuit of continental glory.

CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round | Second-leg results

Azam SC 1-0 ZED FC — Azam advance 2-1 on aggregate

AS Real Bamako 2-2 Zarzis — Real Bamako advance 5-3 on aggregate

Al Ahly Tripoli 4-1 Welwalo Adigrat University — Al Ahly Tripoli advance 8-1 on aggregate

Black Bulls Maputo 2-2 Rayon Sport — Black Bulls advance 4-2 on aggregate

CS Sfaxien 1-0 Academia F. Amadou Diallo — CS Sfaxien advance 2-1 on aggregate

Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Red Arrows — 1-1 on aggregate; Red Arrows win 3-2 on penalties

Primeiro de Agosto 1-0 Virunga — Primeiro de Agosto advance 3-1 on aggregate

Raja AC 2-0 El Kanemi Warriors — Raja advance 4-2 on aggregate

Maniema Union 4-1 Kabuscorp Palanca — Maniema Union advance 8-2 on aggregate

Port-Louis 2000 0-3 Durban City — Durban City advance 6-1 on aggregate

ASKO Kara 1-0 Diarra — 3-3 on aggregate; ASKO Kara advance on away goals

Al Ahly 4-0 Kitara FC — Al Ahly advance 6-2 on aggregate

Singida Black Stars 1-1 Tusker SC — Singida advance 2-1 on aggregate